An underwater scooter, also known as a Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV), Underwater Propulsion
Vehicle, Sea Scooter or Swimmer Delivery Vehicle (SDV), is a mechanically propelled vehicle that
pulls people underwater with less effort than self swimming1. It is an exhilarating piece of
technology that entices all types of divers, whether you are a snorkeler wanting to zip around the
shallow reefs or a techie looking for that little bit extra oomph
Diving deep into the depths of coral reefs and seeing an abundance of marine life is such an
amazing feeling. As you dive deeper and the reef appears from the depths, you are in awe with
the hundreds of species of fish and coral you see just a few feet away. But of course, you only
have so much bottom time. Whether you’re snorkeling, freediving, or scuba diving, your time is
always limited by the oxygen you have in your lungs or tank. If only you could increase your
bottom time while exploring what really seems like a whole different world. With underwater
scooters, you can! Underwater scooters are designed to give you the ability to zip through the
water with ease. Using less effort in swimming and conserving oxygen will enable you to stay
underwater longer and explore more of the deep blue sea.
It’s quite simple actually! Take your scooter in the pool, spring, beach, or open ocean and fly by
other swimmers and divers like Aquaman! Underwater scooters use battery powered propellers
to propel people through the water with ease while swimming, snorkeling, or diving. Simply grab
the handles, and use your body to steer as they navigate a wide variety of different seascapes.
There are some variations in each scooter, some you will hold on to with both hands, some only
require one hand, and some require no hands at all, but the idea is the same.
The origin of the underwater scooter dates back all the way to World War II. The Italian Navy
created manned torpedoes carried by ships and submarines that could be launched near a target.
Two divers would ride the torpedo towards the target, attach a warhead, and then ride away before
detonating the explosive so that they could safely get out of range of the explosive’s blast. After
the Italian Navy used these DPVs to successfully infiltrate the British harbor of Alexandria in 1941,
the British then designed their own versions called “chariots” in 1942'. Over 20 years later in 1965,
a DPV was even used in the James Bond film, Thunderball. Now that’s one way to feel like a
secret agent in the water.
Regulations on underwater scooters in the Philippines typically involve permits or licenses for
operation, adherence to designated diving areas, and compliance with safety guidelines. These
regulations aim to ensure diver safety and protect marine ecosystems. Specific rules may vary by
location and are often enforced by local maritime authorities or diving associations. It's important
to research and follow the applicable regulations before using an underwater scooter in the
Philippines.
When
using
underwater
scooters,
it's
essential
to
follow
these
rules:
1.
CHECK
LOCAL
REGULATIONS:
▪︎Understand and adhere to the specific rules and regulations governing underwater scooter use
in
the
area
you're
diving.
2.
GET
PROPER
TRAINING:
▪︎Before operating an underwater scooter, ensure you have received proper training and
certification
from
a
reputable
diving
organization.
3.
SAFETY
EQUIPMENT:
▪︎Always wear appropriate diving gear, including a mask, fins, buoyancy control device (BCD),
regulator, and dive computer. Additionally, ensure the scooter is in good working condition
4.
BUDDY
SYSTEM:
▪︎Never dive alone. Always use the buddy system and maintain visual contact with your dive
buddy
throughout
the
dive.
5.
STAY
WITHIN
LIMIT:
▪︎Avoid exceeding your depth or time limits, and adhere to safe diving practices at all times.
6.
RESPECTFULMARINE
LIFE:
▪︎Do not disturb or harass marine life while using the scooter. Maintain a safe distance and leave
the
environment
as
you
found
it.
7.
BE
AWARE
OF
SURROUNDING:
▪︎Stay aware of your surroundings, including other divers, boat traffic, and potential hazards such
as
underwater
obstructions
or
currents.
8.ACSENT
SLOWLY
:
▪︎When ending the dive, ascend slowly and perform safety stops as necessary to prevent
decompression
sickness.
9.
COMMUNICATE:
▪︎Use hand signals and communication devices to stay in touch with your dive buddy and other
members
of
your
group.
10.
EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS
:
▪︎Be prepared for emergencies by carrying a dive knife, signaling devices, and knowing how to
respond
to
common
underwater
emergencies.
By following these rules, you can enjoy the exhilarating experience of using an underwater scooter
while ensuring safety for yourself and others and preserving the marine environment.